As the saying goes, “good fences make good neighbors.” When it comes to building your fence, it is essential to consider how it will affect your neighbors before you start putting it up. Just like with anything, there is such a thing as fence etiquette that will help you ensure you and your neighbors will be happy with your newly installed fence.
A Guide to Good Fence Etiquette for Polite Neighbors
If you aren’t familiar with the specifics of fence etiquette, you will find that they are not so difficult. Here are the things you need to know before you have your fence installed.
1 - Consult Your Blueprint
Your blueprint will have the exact property lines specified on it. It is important that you only work within these property lines. By law, it is illegal to put a fence on a property that doesn’t belong to you. Even going out of bounds by a mere inch may put your fence at risk of being taken down.
This is why it is of paramount importance that you check your blueprint for the exact property lines. This will lessen the likelihood of you putting your fence on your neighbor’s property. A responsible neighbor will check that no encroachments will occur when they have their fence installed.
2 - Talk to Your Neighbor
This is not required by law, but it is polite to let them know of your plans. Everyone likes to be warned about things that may potentially affect their wellbeing. You may never anticipate how much a friendly conversation may contribute to an amicable agreement about your fence.
If your neighbor had already discussed previous intentions to divide your properties, this might serve as a step in the right direction for both of you and help each other in building the fence.
3 - Consult Your HOA Regulations
This is a crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked if you are part of a homeowners’ association. Your HOA may have specific guidelines as to how high your fence may reach or what specific colors are allowed. Checking these regulations may help you plan ahead about the style and height of your fence.
4 - Let the Finished Side of the Fence Face Outward
As part of fence etiquette and being a good neighbor, you should have the finished side of your fence face outward, facing the road and your neighbor’s yard. Not only will this add to the aesthetic appeal of your property as a whole, but it will be polite to your neighbors to have the “good side” of the fence facing them.
If you want to have the good side of the fence facing your property, you can have your cake and eat it too. There is such a thing as a “good neighbor fence,” which has both sides finished.
5 - Maintain Your Fence
It is not only part of good fence etiquette to make sure your fence is well-maintained, but it will go a long way for your property’s aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Before putting up your fence, it is important to read these rules of fence etiquette to ensure that everyone will be happy with your new installation. A fence will be a friendly divider for both of your properties, and it will add to the beauty and outward appearance of your home as a whole.
First Choice LEX is a full-service roofing company known for providing a streamlined roofing process that can save homeowners time, money, and unnecessary stress. If you need professional fencing services for your home, send us a message today to schedule an appointment.
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